Bone Grafting

Bone grafting is often closely associated with dental restorations such as bridge work and dental implants. In the majority of cases, the success of a restoration procedure can hinge on the height, depth, and width of the jawbone at the implant site. When the jawbone has receded or sustained significant damage, the implant(s) cannot be supported on this unstable foundation and bone grafting is usually recommended for the ensuing restoration.

There are several major factors that affect jaw bone volume:

Periodontal Disease – Periodontal disease can affect and permanently damage the jaw bone that supports the teeth. Affected areas progressively worsen until the teeth become unstable.

Tooth Extraction – Studies have shown that patients who have experienced a tooth extraction subsequently lose 40-60% of the bone surrounding the extraction site during the following three years. Loss of bone results in what is called a “bone defect”.

Injuries and Infections – Dental injuries and other physical injuries resulting from a blow to the jaw can cause the bone to recede. Infections can also cause the jaw bone to recede in a similar way.

Reasons for bone grafts

Bone grafting is a highly successful procedure in most cases. It is also a preferable alternative to having missing teeth, diseased teeth, or tooth deformities. Bone grafting can increase the height or width of the jawbone and fill in voids and defects in the bone.

There are essentially two basic ways in which bone grafting can positively impact the health and stability of the teeth:

Jaw Stabilization – Bone grafting stabilizes and helps restore the jaw foundation for restorative or implant surgery. Deformities can also be corrected and the restructuring of the bone can provide added support.

Preservation – Bone grafting can be used to limit or prevent bone recession following a tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or other invasive processes.

Oral Examination

Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the affected area in order to assess the general condition of the teeth and gums. If periodontal disease is present or the adjacent teeth are in poor condition, these factors will be fully addressed before the bone grafting procedure can begin. The dentist will also recommend panoramic x-rays in order to assess the precise depth and width of the existing bone. On occasion, a CAT scan may be recommended to determine the bone condition. Depending on these results, the dentist may also anesthetize the area and explore into the gum in order to determine what kind and how much bone is required.

What Does Bone Grafting Involve?

There are several types of bone grafts. Your dentist will determine the best type for your particular condition.

Autogenous Bone Graft - Harvested from the patient’s own body (usually from the posterior part of the lower jaw or the chin). This method is usually preferred because it produces the most predictable results.

Allograft Bone Graft - Cadaver or synthetic bone is used in this type of graft.

Xenograft - Cow bone is used in this type of graft.

The bone grafting procedure can often take several months to complete. Bone is typically harvested from your own body (or on rare occasions obtained from a “bone bank”) and added to the affected site. This bone will fuse with the existing bone and the migration of cells will cause firm adhesion and cell growth. Supplementing the jaw with bone will result in greater bone mass to help support and anchor the implant(s).

During the surgery, the dentist will numb the grafting and extraction sites using local anesthetic. A small incision will be made to prepare the site for the new bone and it will be anchored into place. On occasion, a synthetic membrane may be used to cover the new bone. This membrane prevents soft tissue and bacterial invasions, and encourages new bone growth. The surgery does not require an overnight stay, and you will be provided with comprehensive instructions for your post-operative care. The dentist will prescribe medications to help manage infection, discomfort and swelling.

Testimonials

I have been seeing Dr. Porcu since I was a teenager. I am now 40 years old with a child of my own. He is always very thorough, explains all the options to me, from a simple filling, to an impression for a mouth guard, etc...He lets me know all of my options. He is very caring, and the work he has done has lasted all of these years without having to be replaced, etc... so the quality is good! I took my son there for his first visit at 3 years of age. Dr. Porcu put me in the chair with my son on my lap and examined him. Later, when my son needed a cavity filled at 6 years of age, Dr. Porcu, with his excellent chair-side manner, put my son at ease...so much so that my son never cried or even called out to me during his novacaine shot or the drilling, etc... I was so impressed! I have seen pictures of other dentists offices that cater to children, with all the games and decorations, etc... but I wonder why one would need all that from the moment that the Dentist himself puts the kids at ease...with his calm demeanor, and the way he speaks to them. I am truly very happy with Dr. Porcu, and his staff (the cleanings twice a year performed by his awesome hygienist) that I recommend him to all my friends and family.

Anastasia Damian
Melville, NY

Dear Dr. Porcu, Just a short thank you to your and your staff. During my tooth "emergency" you and your team made me feel so comfortable. While my anxiety level was so high, you and Lina quickly diagnosed my problem, promptly took care of the pain, kept me calm and acted respectfully and professionally but at the same time treated me like family!! The work that you perform Dr. Porcu is always top of the line and the care and concern of those who were in the office that day and the days for my follow-ups are exemplary. Thank you Dr. Porcu, Lina, Nicole and Margaret. Warm Regards.